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Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has committed $200 million to fund research and development (R&D) programs focused on reducing the impact of fossil fuels on commercial aviation.
It is the largest single sustainability commitment made by any airline and the funds will be paid out over three years. Emirates will identify partnerships with leading organizations working on advanced fuel and energy technology solutions.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “We are committing $200 million to investing in advanced aviation fuel and energy solutions, which is the biggest hurdle airlines currently face in reducing our environmental impact. Looking critically at the realities we face with regard to commercial aircraft and engine technology, the fuel supply chain, and the regulatory and ecosystem requirements of our industry, it is clear that our industry will not be able to Achieve net zero goals within a defined timeline.
“We believe our industry needs better solutions, which is why we want to partner with leading R&D organizations. Our goal is to provide practical solutions for the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation.”
Sir Tim added: “Until a viable solution is found, Emirates will continue to implement environmentally responsible practices across our operations, including upgrading SAF where feasible, ensuring efficient fleet operations, and integrating modern Aircraft are introduced into our fleet. Our $200 million in funding is earmarked for R&D, not for operating costs like buying SAFs or carbon offsets to tick the regulatory boxes – we see those activities as business as usual.”
Emirates’ Environmental Sustainability Executive Steering Group will oversee the Fund’s disbursements, supported by technical experts.
Emirates’ emissions reduction initiatives
Emirates’ long-term environmental policy and strategy focuses its activities on 3 areas: emissions reduction, responsible consumption and wildlife and habitat protection.
In January, Emirates, in partnership with Boeing and General Electric, successfully completed the first demonstration flight powered by 100% SAF. Since its first SAF-powered flight in 2017, the airline has continued to be actively involved in the SAF market and pursue opportunities across its network to use SAF where feasible.
However, bio-based SAF is currently the only commercially available SAF and its supply is extremely limited. IATA estimates that the world’s annual supply of SAF meets less than 0.1% of airline demand.
Emirates is involved in a series of industry working groups and stakeholder engagements on sustainable aviation fuels. In recent months, the airline has contributed to the development of the Power-to-Liquids (PtL) fuel roadmap for July 2022, jointly developed by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum; and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure UAE National Roadmap for Sustainable Aviation Fuels to be published in January 2023.
Emirates’ investment in a young, modern fleet remains its biggest commitment to reducing emissions. The airline currently has 200 of the latest Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft on order, including the A350 and 777X.
The airline has a comprehensive fuel efficiency program and, where operationally feasible, actively investigates and implements ways to reduce unnecessary fuel burn and emissions. Some of the program’s most significant initiatives include:
The operation of “elastic tracks,” or flexible routes, which work with air navigation service providers to develop the most efficient flight plan for each flight, taking advantage of natural tailwinds while avoiding headwinds and weather systems. These efforts have been ongoing since 2003 and Emirates is also working with IATA to extend this routing system globally as standard operating procedure wherever possible.
Introducing fuel-saving measures while the aircraft is on the ground, such as using ground power units instead of the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU), and shutting down one or both engines while taxiing after landing.
Emirates is also investing in renewable energy initiatives, including installing solar panels to power some of its operational buildings in Dubai and using electric vehicles both airside and landside. – trade arab news agency
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